Resources for entrepreneurs are widely available and easy to access, but you need to know where to look and who to visit. First time entrepreneurs in particular have tons of questions and hunger for mentors, confidants, cronies, and fellow travelers. Anyone with an idea for a business can find a place to turn, an article to read, a war story to listen to, an online discussion, or a local entrepreneurship program or incubator to provide guidance. Many of these resources are free or low cost and the amount of knowledge available to share can make your head spin. Here are a few resources, programs, and organizations that you can leverage.

1. The institutes, the incubators, the accelerators.

These programs are designed to kickstart entrepreneurial ideas and the idealists who dream them up. Their stated goals are similar: provide opportunity; nurture great ideas, make introductions, and create an environment where great companies can get started. These organizations are designed help budding entrepreneurs a place to learn while developing their ideas. Check out the sites for these five for more information:

Online and off, these organizations and groups are designed to help entrepreneurs meet one another, share ideas, transmit knowledge, and create an atmosphere where learning and collaborating are the norm. Many cities are actively developing centers for entrepreneurs and startups what provide lectures, resources, co-working space, and an environment that promotes economic growth and development through entrepreneurship.

These great blogs focus exclusively on startups, small business, entrepreneurs and the issues and subjects near to their hearts. Entertaining, sure. But mostly these small business, venture capital, and marketing blogs provide great tools, resources, learning opportunity, and practical information targeted directly at you.

There are numerous webinars available online for free to entrepreneurs and these are a great way to learn in depth about specific topics. Studies show that video is a great way for many people to learn and the experts who create these webinars share tons of valuable information, tips, and specific strategies for your business.

That’s right, your tax dollars are actually hard at work funding resources and programs created just for you. These federal resources are designed with the small business-person in mind and were created specifically to help get businesses off he ground. Have a look at these and stop by to learn how they can help you.

And lastly (but not leastly) this here blog you are reading right now! crowdSPRING’s Blog provides resources, inspiration, small business tips, marketing expertise, and lots and lots of great information for small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs. Right here!

Wow! Great article. From my little experience I know learning is the best investment for small start ups. I have found some new links from your post which will be useful I believe.

mike_samson

@Pappu: thanks for reading and for the kind words. I also believe that the learning curve is a meaningful driver for entrepreneurs.

http://writtent.com/ Tania

Lots of useful links. Thank you for getting them all in one place

mike_samson

@Tania – thanks much for the note! I am still learning everyday.

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